Ice Skating Atlanta 2018: 15 Best Rinks for Kids, Teens & Adults

Ice skating Atlanta style used to mean heading to Centennial Olympic Park, and at one time that was our favorite outdoor skating rink. Atlanta has so many more to choose from now (15+ in our list), and the Centennial Park’s rink isn’t even opening in 2018.

Read on to help you choose the best public ice skating in Atlanta, Ga for you, because each one has a little different character, and your kids aren’t welcome all the time. Plus there are several ice skating rinks in Atlanta that have closed, so make sure your favorite is still open.

So whether you want to hit the Atlantic Station ice rink, try the latest skating adventure at Ponce City Market or you are looking for ice skating in Georgia outside of Atlanta so you can go while visiting relatives, we have you covered.

Also, we frequently get requests like, “Help me find an ice skating rink near me,” so we’ve added addresses and phone numbers for easy searching. So with no further ado, here are the best outdoor ice skating rinks in Atlanta.

Atlantic Station Ice Skating

1380 Atlantic Dr NW | Atlanta | 404-410-4010

Ice skating amid gleaming skyscrapers on a chilly winter evening is magical. Outdoor ice skating in Atlanta has become quite popular over the years, and the 10,000 square foot track style rink, the largest outdoor ice rink in the Southeast, at Atlantic Station ice rink is one of the coolest venues because of the location among gleaming skyscrapers.

Skate the Station at Atlantic Station is the closest you can get to skating at Rockefeller Center without hopping a flight to NYC. Read all our tips and tricks to make your visit to one our favorite ice skating rink in Atlanta the best it can be.

Best for All Ages, Tweens and Teens

The Rink at Park Tavern

500 10th St NE | Atlanta | 404-249-0001

Park Tavern’s ice skating rink is a nice size rink with good amenities. Comfy couches and chairs line the waiting area and there is even a toasty fireplace inside the bar area. Special rink desserts are available including gourmet hot chocolate with whipped cream and chocolate shavings – Mmmm. For those that just want to watch the little ones, there is a full bar available within the ice rink (try the adult hot chocolate).

The Park Tavern’s location off Piedmont Park can’t be beat and has a beautiful view of the Midtown Skyline. This rink is open through Valentine’s Day, so if you don’t get there over the holidays, there’s still time to skate after the other rinks end their season.

Tickets for Park Tavern ice rink sponsored by Pepsi must be ordered online. You can order them prior to going, or use a computer that has been set up at The Tavern for that purpose. Skate rentals are hockey skates and there is only one kind, so if your little princess wants skates like Olympic skaters, better bring your own. The Park Tavern does not have trainers or other assistance for young skaters.

Tip: go ahead and pay for parking in the lot, they actively boot around the park.

All Ages during the Day, Best for 16+ after 8:30 pm

Ponce City Market Skate the Sky

Ponce City Market N NE | Atlanta

Ponce City Market’s Skate the Sky 3,500-square-foot ice skating rink has only been around since 2017, but it’s becoming a favorite, especially as an adult date night. Kids of course are welcome, but Fridays and Saturday after 5 pm, this rink is 21+ Only.

Skyline Park Atlanta invested in a cooler for this ice rink, which sits below the ice. This means that when the other rinks are melting, Skyline Park Atlanta will be solid ice. There’s also a tent covering so you can skate when it’s raining outside. We loved the views of the city too…and having Nine Mile Station right there. Light snacks, hot chocolate and a full bar are right off the rink. The downside: You have to pay admission to the roof in ADDITION the skate fees.

New for 2018, Igloos. Yes Igloos. Each one is themed (posh, couples, groups, glamping) and offers a slightly different experience for the 21+ crowd.

All Ages during the day, 21+ in the evenings

St Regis Skating Rink, Atlanta

Eighty-Eight, West Paces Ferry Rd NW| Atlanta | 404-563-7900

For a luxurious winter experience, take the family ice skating at the St. Regis Astor ice rink in Buckhead. This rink is an intimate affair, limited to only 30 people per hour this is the most intimate setting, perfect for younger kids who aren’t sure of themselves.

Parents get some holiday cheer by sipping cocktails ringside while kids glide around, or roast marshmallows nearby for s’mores. The hot cocoa is like drinking a chocolate bar and I loved the crunchy jimmies on top. And don’t miss the life-sized gingerbread house in the lobby.

Reservations are recommended, but when we went, there were still a few reservations that evening, so don’t assume they’re booked. However, as it gets closer to Christmas, things do get a bit more crowded, especially on the weekends. The biggest con here is the price – it ain’t cheap.

Best for All Ages, Young Children

Avalon Ice Skating Rink

400 Avalon Boulevard | Alpharetta | 770-765-1000

The Avalon ice skating rink is similar to Atlantic Station. It’s a very family friendly rink and there are bathrooms nearby, as well as an indoor soft playground for the little ones that either can’t skate, or get a little too cold. Free parking nearby is always a plus.

There are also plenty of shops, including Goldberg’s where you can get a hot coffee and watch the skaters – plenty of places to comfortably watch them skate, or just sit in front of the fireplace on a comfy couch (although you won’t see the skaters from here). If your child wants to skate, but they don’t have skates small enough, ask about blades only that can be attached to their shoes. For more about Avalon Ice Skating, see our full post here: Festive Ice Skating at Avalon Mall

Best for All Ages, Tween and Teens

The Polar Rink at Lake Lanier

7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy | Buford | 678-304-3120

The Lake Lanier holiday events are under new management in 2018. Safe Harbor Development has invested 3.5 million into Margaritaville at Lanier Islands and transformed the summertime destination into a winter wonderland – License to Chill, Snow Island. In the past the holiday rink has been plastic, but thank goodness, it’s back to real ice this year. Find out all the different activities available at Lake Lanier during the holidays in our post.

Best for All Ages, Tween and Teens

The Rink Mall of Georgia

3333 Buford Drive | Buford |

Designed with faux-ice for a cool spin on the ultimate skating experience, the Rink at the Mall of Georgia pricing also includes skate rental. Family at Mall of Georgia members (children 12 and under) receive a $1 off skate fee Monday through Thursday until 2PM

Best for All Ages

Centennial Park Ice Skating

265 Park Ave W NW | Atlanta

Due to ongoing renovations as well as preparations for Super Bowl 53, Centennial Olympic Park’s ice skating rink and Holiday in Lights feature are postponed for the 2018-19 winter season, however a new 30-foot evergreen tree planted in the park will soon be decorated for the holidays. I hate this downtown Atlanta ice skating rink isn’t opening, but hopefully next year.

Marietta Square

39-75 E Park Square | Marietta | 770-429-1115

The Marietta Square is a quaint, family friendly destination during the holidays with Santa’s Workshop, multi-story Christmas Tree, and holiday lights. However they will not be doing the outdoor ice skating rink for 2018.

Suntrust Battery Park

755 Battery Ave SE | Atlanta

The Battery Park ice rink was a one and done. The holiday programming does not include an ice rink for 2018.

Ice Skating in Georgia

These rinks are outside the Atlanta metro area. If you’ve been, let us know what to expect.

Olde Town Conyers Pavilion. Experience ice skating in Conyers, Ga. This is an indoor/outdoor rink for the family in a botanical setting.

Athens on Ice. The Classic Center is home to the only indoor NHL-sized Ice Skating arena and outdoor skating pavilion. From late November to early January, the rink will be indoors, then moved to the outdoor pavilion from late January through mid-February.

Augusta on Ice. This new rink is part of a whole winter village on the Augusta Common. In addition to the holiday ice rink, there is an ice slide, train ride, family friendly concerts, live music, dancing, s’mores, hot chocolate and lots of merry-making fun.

Reynolds Plantation. If you happen to be staying with Reynolds Plantation this year – and holy cannoli, do they have some great holiday packages and events – then you an experience ice skating and a life-size gingerbread house. WOW!

Ice Forum, Kennesaw. 300 Satellite Blvd NW | Duluth |770-813-1010 This is the official practice facility for the Gladiators hockey team and they also have skate instruction.

Pin This Post:

Sue Rodman | Co-Founder

Sue came to Atlanta after finishing the Walt Disney World College Program where she was a tour guide then guest relations hostess (and no she did not moonlight as Snow White). Sue spent 25 years in PR before adding freelance travel writing to her resume. Prior to 365 Atlanta Traveler, Sue published an award winning family travel blog called Field Trips with Sue for eight years, and produced a TV segment with the same name on CBS Better Mornings Atlanta. Her favorite place to visit is anywhere with her husband and three sons. Sue believes anytime is a good time for dessert and there are no bad field trips, just better stories. @SueRodman

Lesli made her way to Atlanta over 20 years ago, after living in Germany, Japan and six U.S. states. She relishes the discovery of obscure, offbeat and unwonted places, and she will chat up any willing stranger to uncover a new secret locale.

After 18 years in software development, Lesli bailed on the corporate scene. When she’s not traveling, she’s hiking in the mountains or checking out Atlanta’s culinary scene, whiskey in hand.

Lesli has two kiddos -Cooper and Elliot- plus two bonus kids currently at UGA, and she’s happily married to her soul mate.

You really should visit Ice Days in Olde Town Conyers. I have been to many rinks in the Atlanta area and this one is by far the most family friendly and cost friendly! They only charge $10 per skater including skates. The owners ar super friendly and they even opened a second rink last year in LaGrange.

Center Ice Arena located inside the perimeter at 5750 Roswell Road in Sandy Springs is a beautiful inside ice rink open year round. By far the best ice in Atlanta and best decorated for the holidays! Newest indoor ice rink in Atlanta opened in December of 2014.

Featured several times on the Weather Channel, Good Day Atlanta and most recently filmed in a Christmas Hallmark movie, Christmas Everlasting airing Saturday, November 24th at 8pm on the Hallmark channel.